Ripple CTO David Schwartz warns XRP investors of a deepfake scam falsely claiming a 100 million XRP airdrop in celebration of Ripple’s legal victory.
Key Takeaways
- 1A deepfake video of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced a fake 100 million XRP rewards program shortly after XRP hit a record price.
- 2Ripple CTO David Schwartz exposed the scam and confirmed no such airdrop exists.
- 3The scheme capitalizes on XRP’s all time high and the company’s legal success over the SEC.
- 4On chain metrics remain bullish on XRP even as scammers exploit market euphoria.
Did you catch the buzz about XRP hitting a new all time high and that mysterious “airdrop”? Hold on to your wallets because Ripple’s CTO just stepped in to shut down a dangerous scam.
Deepfake video tricks XRP investors
Just as XRP reached its record price, a deepfake video featuring a digitally altered version of CEO Brad Garlinghouse began circulating on X formerly known as Twitter. In the video Garlinghouse “thanks the XRP community for their support during Ripple’s multi year legal battle with the US SEC” and then allegedly declares “I’m launching Ripple rewards program. 100 million XRP airdrop pool created for you.” The timing was calculated to prey on investor excitement.
📢 HUUUGEE NEWS FOR CRYPTO HOLDERS !!🔉 SOUND ON 🔉 #XRP pic.twitter.com/ZZB7cRzIDu
,Honey Bee (@HoneybeeBTC) July 18, 2025
Ripple CTO blows the whistle
CTO David Schwartz quickly reacted on X exposing the fraud. He reminded investors that “there are no airdrops giveaways or special offers associated with this ruling.” He underscored that Ripple and its executives would never initiate token giveaways or request personal information or funds.
Fraudsters follow legal victory momentum
This is not Ripple’s first encounter with social media scams following courtroom wins. After the 2023 ruling that XRP was not a security, fraudsters launched phishing attacks and bogus airdrop announcements. In August 2024 after Judge Analisa Torres ruled penalties far lower than the SEC sought similar scams popped up once again. At that time Schwartz warned “A lot of scammers are taking advantage of the recent good news to try to cheat and steal.”
Market remains optimistic despite scam activity
On chain metrics suggest XRP still has room to grow as investor interest and new wallet addresses increase. But as the price rally continues fraudulent activity also seems to ramp up. Ripple has consistently urged users to stay vigilant and never share personal details in response to any token giveaway claim.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
I feel this is a crucial warning for XRP investors: good news always brings scammers out of the woodwork. The deepfake video is polished and timely making it particularly dangerous. Always confirm announcements on official channels and keep your guard up when rewards seem too good to be true. This is how you keep your crypto safe.
